Sneha's Recipe: Slovakia

Vanocka/Vánočka is traditionally a braided Christmas bread from Czech Republic and Slovakia. This bread which is often baked during Christmas time. This is a rich bread dough prepared with eggs, butter and this bread dough is almost like Brioche dough. Vánocka has loads of raisins and almonds.

I, added 80 grams raisins and while making the strands it was breaking because of too much raisins. First of all chop the raisins and use only 50 grams of raisins in the bread.

Makes 1 Large loaf
Ingredients
11 g Teaspoon Instant Yeast
80 Grams Tablespoon Sugar
500 Grams All Purpose Flour
¼ Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract
Zest Of One Lemon
1 Teaspoon Grated Nutmeg
250 ml+- Lukewarm Milk
100 Grams Butter -melted and lukewarm
2 Large Egg yolks
80 Grams Raisins
50 Grams Sliced Almonds
For Brushing
1 Egg Yolk
1 Tablespoon Water
Method
In a large bowl add flour, salt, sugar, instant yeast, nutmeg and lemon zest.

Then add vanilla extract, egg yolk and add milk mix well so that everything combined well.
If the dough is too crumbly, use two to three tablespoons of milk in addition.
Knead for another 10 minutes to get smooth supple dough.
Transfer to lightly greased pan and set aside for double in volume.

While the dough is raising, heat water in bowl and add raisins and bring to boil.
You need to boil until it plums up. Then drain in a kitchen towel or tissue and set aside.

Once the dough is double in volume

Transfer to lightly floured surface and flatten the dough

Then add the raisins on the top of the dough like this and try to incorporate them well while kneading.

Cover and let this rest for 15 minutes.

After that divide the dough into 9 equal parts.

For the bottom braid you will need - 4 dough balls. Braid it as shown in the pic below

For the second braids you will need - 3 dough balls. Braid it like a plait.

For the third braid 2 dough balls. Twist this like a rope.

To Assemble the Vánočka

Place the four braided on a oiled and line baking pan. With the edge of hand slightly make a depression in the center of the braid.

Now let's take the 3 braided dough and place this on top of the 4 braided dough. Again make depression again in the center with the edge of your hand. Now take the 2 dough balls and place this on top of the 3 braided dough and tuck the ends well.

Cover and let is rise slightly, this will not double in volume cause it a heavy dough. In the meantime Pre-heat oven to 180°C.

Then brush the bread with egg wash and stick them with sliced almonds.

Bake for 35 - 38 minutes. After 18 minutes tent the bread with aluminum foil ( since this tends to brown quickly and it's a big loaf the top with brown quickly and the inside of the bread will be wet).

Let it bake for another 20 minutes. When baked place it on a cooling rack.

When completely cooled slice and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. This is a sweet, soft and delicious bread.

Labels: Christmas, Czechoslovakia, Slovakia, Bread Bakers, International Cuisine, Egg, Raisins, Braided Bread

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We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. This month’s theme is Christmas Breads Around .